What Is PM 2.5 Filter ( Particulate Matter 2.5) : How Does PM 2.5 Filter Work?

Covid 19 gave us the mask culture, and when we talk about a mask, PM 2.5 Filter can not be ignored.

So what is a PM 2.5 Filter?

In simple words, PM 2.5 filter stops harmful particles (Up To 2.5 μm) from entering our lungs. Let’s learn more about PM 2.5 filters in this article.

Air pollution is increasing at an alarming rate in India. Forget about people with underlying conditions, even a healthy person can get sick with this level of air pollution.

Instead of blaming our government to take some steps, it’s wise to protect ourselves from this pollution. PM 2.5 filter is the primary weapon to defend ourselves from this pollution.

What Is PM 2.5? What Are The Sources Of PM 2.5?

The full form of PM 2.5 is Particulate Matter 2.5. Any particle below 2.5μm in size can be termed PM 2.5.

Now you might be wondering how small is 2.5μm.

For reference, human hair thickness is about 70μm. Now you can imagine how small PM 2.5 will be.

Human eyes can not see anything below 10 microns. You need a microscope to visualize those.

The main source of PM 2.5 is vehicular emission, the burning of wood, and fuels. Even if you burn crops, it can create PM 2.5.

Wastes from power plants also form PM 2.5 particles. Power plants emit SO2 ( Sulfur Di Oxide). When it reacts with water and air, forms Sulphuric acid ( H2SO4), which is harmful to human beings.

pm 2.5 filter
PM 2.5 size

Not to forget that excessive pollution due to motor vehicle emission is also one of the prime reasons for PM 2.5 formation along with different kinds of industrial waste.

Do you know, a few years back, a cricket match In New Delhi, India, was canceled as there was too much pollution?

pm 2.5 filter
PM 2.5 Sources

How Dangerous Is PM 2.5?

Since PM 2.5 particles are tiny and lightweight, they can float in the air for a longer time, there are high chances that we can easily inhale those that can disturb our regular lung operation.

Although irritation of the eyes, cold, and cough are widespread due to this kind of PM 2.5 particles, if you have asthma, heart disease, or dust allergy, things worsen. And sometimes it gets fatal too.

Sometimes PM 2.5 may not cause any immediate disease. But in the long run, it may weaken your immune system and may cause heart attacks and deadly strokes.

PM 2.5 particles contain dust and other small particles, but they can also contain deadly viruses and bacteria that can cause some serious life-threatening diseases.

Covid 19 is a great example of that. People used to wear masks with PM 2.5 to get away from Covid 19.

What Is PM 2.5 Filter?

In simple words, PM 2.5 filter is a filter that stops PM 2.5 particles from getting into our bodies. It uses both mechanical and electrostatic barriers to filter out PM 2.5 particles.

It is made of unique spun-bond fabric, a melt-blown material with activated carbon to capture all the PM 2.5 particles electrostatically.

It is also made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with about 2.0-micron pore size, easily blocking PM 2.5 particles.

pm 2.5 filter
PM 2.5 Structure
Credit: Link

Although PM 2.5 filter mask can block most PM 2.5 particles, it can cause breathing discomfort compared to any fabric mask. Sometimes it becomes a trade-off to choose between a PM 2.5 filter mask and a fabric mask.

The Importance Of PM 2.5 Filter

Controlling outdoor pollution is not in our control. We can do our part, but we can not control if other people are causing pollution.

What we can control is indoor air pollution. Most of the time, we stay in our homes, so it is a must that we inhale clean air.

An air purifier is a great option to stop PM 2.5 particles from coming indoors or filter out all PM 2.5 particles from indoors. But buying a good and effective air purifier is a costly affair and needs regular maintenance.

The cheapest alternative is to use PM 2.5 filter. Again, it is not at all logical to wear a PM 2.5 filter mask indoors all the time. That is why Air Conditioners are coming with PM 2.5 filters nowadays. In fact, it comes with most ACs.

LG has gone one step further and offers sensors to sense and clean PM 2.5 particles from the indoor air.It offers clean air which is good for our overall health.

Positives
  • Filters out PM 2.5 particles
  • Removes harmful viruses and bacteria
  • Inexpensive compared to HEPA filter-based air purifiers
  • Easily available in the market as a standalone mask or in Air Conditioners
Negatives
  • Can cause breathing discomfort
  • Not as effective as HEPA filters
  • Inefficient to filter out particles less than 2.5 microns in size.

Conclusion: PM 2.5 Filter

Air pollution is alarming. We need to reduce air pollution at any cost. We can try our level best to do that. But in the meantime, we should start using PM 2.5 filters because these filters can save you from bigger problems that you may face.

PM 2.5 filters are cheap, easily available, and most importantly, they can block almost all particles having up to 2.5 microns in size that including harmful viruses and bacteria.

So next time when you buy an AC, buy one that comes with a PM 2.5 filter.

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